Squint

Squint, also known as strabismus, is a condition where the eyes do not align properly. One eye may turn inwards, outwards, upwards, or downwards while the other eye looks straight ahead. This misalignment can occur all the time or intermittently.

Types of Squint

• Esotropia: One eye turns inward.
• Exotropia: One eye turns outward.
• Hypertropia: One eye turns upward.
• Hypotropia: One eye turns downward.

Causes of Squint

• Muscle Imbalance: Weakness or overaction of the eye muscles.
• Nerve Problems: Issues with the nerves that control eye muscles.
• Refractive Errors: Uncorrected farsightedness (hyperopia) can cause the eyes to turn inward.
• Genetics: Family history of strabismus.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions like cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or head injuries.
• Congenital: Present at birth or developing in early childhood.

Symptoms of Squint

• Misaligned Eyes: One or both eyes pointing in different directions
• Double Vision: Seeing two images of a single object.
• Eye Strain: Discomfort and fatigue in the eyes.
• Head Tilting or Turning: To compensate for misalignment and improve vision.
• Loss of Depth Perception: Difficulty judging distances accurately.
• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye): Poor vision in the turned eye due to lack of use.

Diagnosis

• Visual Acuity Test: Measures clarity of vision in each eye.
• Ocular Alignment Test: Assesses how well the eyes are aligned.
• Cover Test: Determines the presence and type of squint by covering and uncovering each eye.
• Retinoscopy: Examines the light reflection from the retina to detect refractive errors.
• Comprehensive Eye Exam: Includes dilation to examine the internal structures of the eye.

Benefits of Treating Squint

• Improved Vision: Correcting misalignment can improve overall visual acuity and prevent amblyopia.
• Better Depth Perception: Proper eye alignment enhances the ability to judge distances accurately.
• Enhanced Appearance: Correcting strabismus can improve cosmetic appearance and boost self-confidence.
• Reduced Eye Strain: Proper alignment reduces discomfort and fatigue in the eyes.
• Improved Quality of Life: Enhanced vision and appearance contribute to better social interactions and daily activities.